Families who loved Journey from Peppermint Street by Meindert DeJong often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is on the cusp of independence but still feels the pull of home or struggles with the 'big feelings' of being away from you for the first time. It is a masterclass in normalizing the oscillating cycle of bravery and fear that defines middle childhood. Set in early 20th-century Holland, the story follows young Siebren on his first long journey away from Peppermint Street to visit an aunt who lives in an old, converted monastery. The narrative captures the sensory wonder of the natural world alongside the internal anxiety of navigating unfamiliar spaces. It is a gentle, comforting read that validates a child's need for security while encouraging their curiosity about the world beyond their front door.